Ministers discuss security concerns and operational considerations; PTI objects to ‘secrecy’ surrounding visit
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar addresses a press conference in Islamabad on March 28, 2024. PHOTO: PID
ISLAMABAD:
The government on Tuesday informed the Senate that PTI founder Imran Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for a follow-up medical examination, where a committee of four specialist doctors conducted a detailed assessment and administered him the second dose prescribed for his eye problem.
Responding to the points raised during the Senate session, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the former prime minister was transferred to PIMS with his consent and examined by a medical board comprising government and private specialists.
He said the prison manual does not allow inmates to be examined by doctors of their choice and clarified that the same treatment could have been provided in prison, but he was taken to the hospital in accordance with his wishes.
According to the minister, the committee assessed his state of health through an ophthalmological assessment, a cardiac assessment and a general medical examination.
He informed the House that Professor Nadeem Qureshi, retina expert at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, and Professor Arif, Head of Ophthalmology Department at PIMS, were among the doctors involved in the consultation.
Following their assessment, the second dose related to his eye treatment was administered to him. Cardiologists also performed special tests, including an ECG and echocardiogram, while laboratory tests were carried out to examine his general health.
Tarar said Imran Khan was brought to the hospital around 11:30 p.m. and returned to Adiala jail after completing all procedures.
He explained that the night schedule was chosen for security and operational reasons, noting that security at the hospital could not be significantly increased during normal hours without disrupting emergency services and routine patient care.
He stressed that the examination took place strictly within the framework of the law and the prison manual, reiterating that medical procedures for inmates are governed by existing legal provisions and do not allow special arrangements outside the prescribed rules.
He further clarified that matters relating to the release, bail or foreign travel of a convicted prisoner were within the jurisdiction of the courts. Citing Article 25 of the Constitution, he said the government remained committed to implementing legal provisions without discrimination.
In related news, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhary said the PTI founder is expected to receive his next injection on March 24 as part of his ongoing treatment plan.
He said doctors reported improvement in his vision after the first procedure and all legal and humanitarian requirements were met during his transfer under strict security measures.
During the same Senate session, the Justice Minister also responded to a question raised by Kamran Murtaza regarding compensation for victims of the G-11 Kacheri blast.
He said senior officials, including the interior minister, quickly arrived at the scene and supervised the rescue efforts. The injured received closely monitored medical care, while assistance was provided in accordance with government policy.
On the directives of the Prime Minister, a comprehensive compensation package was approved to support the bereaved families and the injured.
Meanwhile, the PTI objected to the “secrecy” surrounding the hospital visit.
In a statement posted on its official X account, the party said: “The situation demands transparency, not secrecy.” He adds that such “clandestine actions only raise more questions” and asks: “What are they hiding?”
